Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. A hand-built pottery figure of an abstract form with a bulbous body, a pair of attenuated legs, and a conical base spike that functions as the whistle's sound hole. The figure holds both arms to its waist and has a conical protrusion just beneath its wide mouth, upturned nose, coffee-bean eyes, and minimalist cap. A large mouthpiece is situated behind the back and creates a high-pitched whistling sound when air is forcibly blown into it. Size: 4.25" W x 5.65" H (10.8 cm x 14.4 cm)
Provenance: private Southern California collection, California, USA, acquired through descent 2006; ex-private California collection, USA, before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#168148
Condition
Figure repaired from several large pieces, with resurfacing and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions and encrustations. Whistle still creates high-pitched sound when air is blown into the mouthpiece.